Connections

Figure 1.3 This image has been adapted from a similar image in the Digital Literacies book. Citation- Dudeney, G., N. Hockly, & M. Pegrum. (2013). Digital Literacies. Harlow: Pearson.

In the image, some of the key words associated with the area of connections are personal, participatory, network, cultural, and intercultural. Many students connect online with the goal of getting as many followers or friends as possible. This approach to connecting with others on social media is dangerous. Who we connect with online determines what information, news, media, politics, and advertisements we are exposed to daily. The individuals we connect with make up our Personal Learning Networks (PLN). A PLN consists of the people a learner interacts with and derives knowledge from in an online environment, which is called a Personal Learning Environment. An important part of this concept is the theory of connectivism developed by George Siemens and Stephen Downes. Learners create connections and develop a network that contributes to their professional development and knowledge. The following is an excerpt from Dryden's and Vos' book on learning networks:

"For the first in history, we know now how to store virtually all humanity's most important information and make it available, almost instantly, in almost any form, to almost anyone on earth. We also know how to do that in great new ways so that people can interact with it , and learn from it."

We can help our learners connect with subject matter experts (SMEs), authors, and mentors who will support their interests and nurture their passions.